‘Sunderland race Leeds to sign Sam Johnstone after Wolves exit reveal’
Sunderland have set their sights on a deal to sign Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, according to their former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that the 32-year-old has emerged near the top of their list of targets.
This comes after the Black Cats missed out on a deal to sign Marcin Bulka, who had been their first-choice goalkeeping option, as he instead joined Neom SC in Saudi Arabia.
Brown told Football Insider in May that Johnstone is ready to leave Wolves in this summer’s transfer window in search of increased playing time.
The goalkeeper made just seven Premier League appearances at Molineux after his £10million move from Crystal Palace last year but is keen to make a return to the England squad.
Despite their growing interest, Regis Le Bris’ side are not the only club showing an interest as Brown told Football Insider in April that Leeds are interested in signing Johnstone.
Sunderland race Leeds to sign wantaway Sam Johnstone
Brown told Football Insider in May that Johnstone is open to joining Leeds as he targets a move away from Wolves, with the Yorkshire club aiming to upgrade on Illan Meslier.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted Johnstone would be a good option for Sunderland if they can win the race.
“Sunderland have been working on a deal for Sam Johnstone,” he told Football Insider.
“They’ve just been promoted to the Premier League and they want to add experience to the squad.
“Johnstone is available, they’ve been made aware of that, and he’d be a top-class option.
“He wants to leave Wolves because he needs to be playing regularly if he wants to get back into the England squad in time for the World Cup.
“I think Sunderland would be a good move for him, and he would benefit them too.
“They’ve missed out on a couple of targets already in that position for different reasons, but it’s clear they want to strengthen there.
“Johnstone is still a top goalkeeper, so it could be a move that works for all parties.”
Regis Le Bris eyes ex-Arsenal star Matteo Guendouzi
The signing of a new goalkeeper is not the only target for Sunderland in this summer’s transfer window, as Le Bris aims to strengthen his squad in a number of areas.
Brown told Football Insider on 1 July that Sunderland want to sign Matteo Guendouzi from Lazio as they eye reinforcements in their midfield.
Guendouzi, who was a young player at Lorient while Le Bris was the manager of their B team, is being considered to bolster their midfield and bring Premier League experience.
The France international made 82 appearances for Arsenal between 2018 and 2022 and has plenty of top-level experience after also playing in Germany, France and Italy.
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